HI SB530

Establishes one full-time equivalent permanent program specialist IV position on Oahu within the executive office on aging's long-term care ombudsman program.

Appropriates funds for fiscal years 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 to support the long-term care ombudsman program, with distribution to Honolulu, Hawaii, Kauai, and Maui counties.

Provides funding for contracted services in Hawaii, Kauai, and Maui counties to expand ombudsman services beyond Oahu.

Addresses the fact that Hawaii is the only state with a single-staff long-term care ombudsman program, despite having over 12,000 long-term care residents and 1,702 facilities statewide.

Aims to ensure equal access to ombudsman services for kupuna and families on neighbor islands as provided on Oahu since 1975.